Before the crowds surrounded them and swept them toward the announcer’s stand, Tim had a second to examine the aileron wire. The break was clean-cut; no frayed ends to indicate an accident due to normal wear and tear. The only thing that could have caused a break like that was a sharp file wielded by spiteful hands.
Tim was so mad he couldn’t talk but by the time they found their managing editor, he had cooled down somewhat. They explained what had happened and then Tim swept Ralph off his feet when he told Carson about his discovery of the filed wire.
“I’m not going to accuse anyone right now,” said the flying reporter, his eyes pin points of anger, “But when ‘Daredevil’ Dugan lands he’s going to tell me what I want to know or he’ll get the worst beating he ever had.” And Tim, moved by emotion, looked fully capable of carrying out his threat.
Tim and Ralph were called to the announcer’s stand where they were introduced to the crowd and the master of ceremonies briefly related how they had ridden down from the clouds. A great roar of applause swept over the crowd and Tim was genuinely embarrassed at the ovation.
As soon as they could get away, Tim and Ralph slid out of the stand, and lost themselves in the crowd.
“Have you seen Dugan land?” asked Tim.
“He came in about five minutes ago and is well down toward the other end of the field,” replied Ralph. “He’s slated to do his daredevil stuff right away so we’ll have to hurry if we want to catch him.”
They made slow progress through the packed mass of humanity and were not more than halfway down the field when the loud speakers blared out an announcement.
“Ladies and gentlemen,” boomed the metallic voice, “you will now see ‘Daredevil’ Dugan, the prince of thrills, in an aerial exhibition which is without peer.”
“It’ll be an exhibition without peer when I get my hands on Dugan,” muttered Tim as he heard the motor of the Daredevil’s plane come to life. There was no chance of reaching Dugan before he started so Tim and Ralph crowded their way to front line places.